Lady Warriors Earn Multiple SWS Conference Awards

The Southwestern States Intercollegiate Conference (SWS) announced its 2025-26 women's basketball postseason awards today, with the Nelson Lady Warriors earning recognition for their multiple individual standout performances.

Juliana Kirker, the freshman sensation, was named Conference Most Valuable Player and earned All-Conference First Team honors in her debut campaign. Averaging 6.8 points and 4.0 rebounds across 20 games, Kirker truly came alive late in the year. Over the team's final three contests, she averaged 12.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.3 steals per game, showcasing an explosive two-way impact. An absolute menace on the defensive end all season, she recorded at least two steals in five of the team's final six games (with Nelson going a season-best 2-4 over that stretch), proving to be one of the league's most disruptive perimeter defenders and emerging stars.

Joining Kirker on the All-Conference First Team was fellow freshman Chloe Warren, who averaged 5.3 points and 2.0 rebounds over 21 games. Warren too saved her best basketball for the most meaningful stretch of the year: in Nelson's final three victories of the season, she scored at least 10 points in each contest, including 14 points twice, setting, and tying, her career-high.

Sophia Morón rounded out the Warriors' First Team selections, earning All-Conference First Team honors after averaging 4.5 points and 3.8 rebounds across 22 games. Standing at 5'2", Morón played far bigger than her size, consistently winning the battle for the glass. She grabbed at least 5 rebounds in eight of the team's final 17 games, including at least 6 five times and a career-high 7 twice, averaging 4.3 boards per game over that stretch.

Tatiana Ayala received All-Conference Honorable Mention in her senior season, averaging 7.2 points and 7.2 rebounds over 18 games despite injury setbacks. From November 10 through January 9, she posted 7.25 points and 7.9 rebounds per game, including a season-best 14 boards on January 9. Her toughness and presence inside were vital to the Warriors' identity.

Freshman Emma Koker also earned All-Conference Honorable Mention, averaging 5.4 points and 4.8 rebounds across 19 games. Her game elevated dramatically late in the year as over the team's final five contests, she averaged 8.6 points and 8.6 rebounds, recording back-to-back double-doubles on January 31 and February 11.

Despite the standing, the Lady Warriors honored God and their school with relentless effort on the court, in the gym, and in the classroom all season. These individual awards are more than a testament to a number of individuals who stood out, but a sign of positive growth to come. With the season over, these ladies are proof that there is plenty to look for4ward to, and should excite the fanbase for the upcoming season.